Ranking starts with Kyu ranks with 10 being the lowest and 1 being the highest. The ranks then progress to the different levels of Black Belt (Dan) with 1 being the lowest and 10 being the highest.

10thThe student learns the four firearms safety rules; the correct fighting stance for firearms; selection and placement of equipment; the fundamentals of marksmanship; and to properly maintain his pistol. He begins research on Colt firearms.

9thThe student learns the proper presentation (draw) of the pistol; how to correctly load and unload his pistol; to perform a proper press check; demonstrates basic accuracy by hitting ten hits within a ten inch circle at five (5) yards. Researches Browning/Mauser/Maxim/Walther

8thThe student learns to properly clear types 1,2, and 3 malfunctions; demonstrates a proper presentation to a single “A” zone hit in two (2) seconds at five (5) yards; demonstrates proper guard position and scanning; researches matchlock, wheelock, flintlock, and caplock firearms.

6thThe student demonstrates: speed load in 2.5 seconds, tac load in 4.5 seconds, types 1 and 2 malfunctions in 2.0 seconds, type 3 in 6.0 seconds; fires 80% on the Hojutsu Short Course and 80% on the NRA PPC course. He researches development of the metallic cartridge, and is verbally tested on it and on all of the above firearms. If successful, he is promoted to brown belt.

4thThe student learns left, right, and rear responses (pivots); controlled pairs from 3 yards to 50 yards; the “Safety Circle” to operate in a 360 degree environment. He researches the developments of Georg Luger and Webley-Fosbery.

3rdThe student learns the proper use of cover; “slicing the pie”; lateral movement, left and right, during presentation and weapon manipulations; close quarter shooting techniques. The student begins to research Glock.

2ndThe student learns correct weapon retention techniques; he fires 85% on the two previous courses; one-handed (precision) shooting. He is verbally tested on all of the above firearms, and performs all manipulations at faster times.

1st Dan, Shodan. The student passes three handgun courses at 90% accuracy; performs all manipulations in shorter times; passes a written test; each student will submit a short written paper on his perception of firearms as a martial art

2nd Dan, Nidan. The student passes three handgun courses at 95% accuracy, performs manipulations in shorter times (.1 sec. less on the school drills); passes a written test on the shotgun. Performs shooting skill test with the tactical shotgun with required times and accuracy. The fighter performs a kata with any impact weapon, or the Hojutsu Ni kata. Nidan candidates must have trained three students to Ik Kyu level prior to testing for Nidan.

3rd Dan, Sandan candidates will show mastery of the auto-pistol. Each of the three handgun shooting tests at 98%, at times reduced from Shodan by .2 seconds per drill on the school drills; the Short Course and PPC times remain the same. The candidate will perform the Hojutsu San No Kata, or another suitable edged weapon kata. Candidates for Sandan must have trained three students to shodan level.

PRE-QUALIFICATION FOR FURTHER TESTING: Each candidate for higher belts must return and pass the shodan test with a revolver. All candidates for upper belts will demonstrate dedication to the art through continued training of selves and by maintaining an active Hojutsu-Ryu dojo.

4th Dan. Yondan students will demonstrate mastery of the carbine, or “assault rifle”. In addition to the shooting tests, the student will clear types 1, 2, and 3 malfunctions, and perform speed loads and Tac loads within required time limits.

5th Dan. Godan students will train and test with the precision rifle. The warrior must be able to effectively engage threats with precision at extended ranges. Testing will consist of shooting from field positions with a scoped, bolt-action .25 to .30 caliber rifle; and will pass a written test, which includes extensive ballistics information.

6th Dan. Rokudan students will be tested on the submachine gun. Testing will be limited, due to availability of select-fire weapons.

Upper Belts. Ranks beyond Godan will be determined by Soke. As with all arts, rank at this level will be determined by a combination of skill, teaching ability, and dedication to Hojutsu and to the martial arts in general. Candidates will have demonstrated years of dedicated training, the furthering of the arts, membership in professional organizations, and other factors

SHOOTING TESTS

Testing in Hojutsu requires three live fire shooting tests which are graded with time and accuracy requirements. Unlike most maritial arts where the tests are subjective, Hojutsu tests are definitive as the test results are in black in white on the target. Either the shots are on target and in time, or they are not. There is one universal and measurable standard.

From the Guard, shooter fires a pair (“hammers”); shooter must step either right or left one step.Perform three times.

SCORING:Maximum score is 240A zone= 5 B zone= 1 C zone= 4 D zone= 1

When scoring it is easier to count the misses:

Head shots missing A zone but hitting B head zone is minus 4Body shots missing A zone but hitting C body zone is minus 1Body shots missing A zone but hitting D zone is minus 4Mark head shots after stage 2 to eliminate scoring errors

• Any hit outside the scoring line, missing target, is an automatic failure (DNQ).• Alibis are only allowed for events beyond the shooter’s control (target falls, etc.)• Malfunctions- if properly cleared, any overtime will not count against the shooter.• Other problems due to shooter failure (empty chamber, unloaded gun, magazine falls out, etc) must be corrected within the allowed time.• Overtime shots are –5 points

7 yard Drill: Responses, presentation from the holster, single shot per response. Response front1.8 sec Perform five times Response left 1.8 Perform five times Response right1.9 Perform five times Response rear 2.0 Perform five times

5 yard Drill: Head Shots, presentation from the holster, single shot.

Single head shot1.7 sec. Perform three times

7 yard Drill: Head shots, presentation from the holster, single shot.

Single head shot1.9 sec. Perform three times

5 yard Drill: Multiple targets, presentation from the holster, single shot per target.

Two targets 2.0 sec Three targets 2.3 Four Targets 2.6

SKILLS TEST: Weapons manipulation. Perform three times. No shooting.

Speed Reload 2.0 sec.Tactical Reload 3.8

Type 1 malfunction 1.2 secType 2 1.2Type 3 5.0

SCORING:

• Any hit outside the outer scoring ring is an automatic failure (DNQ).• 50 shots total (500 total points)• Each shot is worth 10 points in “X” or “A” zone, 5 points outside• Shots breaking the line count as the higher score• Head shots outside the “A” zone count as 5 points• Overtimes and procedurals count –5

• Any hit outside the shaded area is an automatic failure (DNQ)• Alibis are only allowed for events beyond the shooter’s control (target falls, etc)• Malfunctions- if properly cleared, overtimes will not count against the shooter.• Other problems due to shooter failure (empty chamber, unloaded gun, magazine falls out, etc.) must be corrected within the allowed time.• Overtime shots are –10 points.